Houston Rockets surge into title contention with Durant’s influence and Sengun’s MVP ascent
The Houston Rockets are making waves in the NBA with a stellar 12-4 record. Their performance is marked by a potent offense, boasting a rating of 122, and a commendable defense at 111.1. This combination positions them as serious contenders for the championship. Central to their early success is the addition of Kevin Durant, a 37-year-old legend and one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history. Durant’s presence on the court has not only drawn defensive scrutiny but also enhanced the overall efficiency of the team, creating opportunities for his teammates to excel.
Sengun’s Rising Star
Among those thriving under Durant’s influence is Alperen Sengun, the Turkish center who made his All-Star debut last season. Sengun has elevated his game to new heights this year, averaging 22 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, all while shooting an impressive 48% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 73% from the free-throw line. While he may not yet be on par with the likes of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Luka Doncic, Sengun has earned a spot on NBA.com’s MVP ladder, sitting at No. 9—just ahead of Jalen Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks and trailing Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers. Although Sengun might not clinch the MVP title this season, his performance underscores his emergence as one of the league’s elite players, positioning him for a potential All-NBA selection.
Durant’s Impact on the Court
Durant is contributing 24.6 points per game with remarkable efficiency, although he may not be the same scoring powerhouse he was in his prime. This adjustment has not diminished his value. Instead, his mere presence on the floor has been transformative, opening up scoring opportunities for Sengun and others. A significant area of growth for Sengun has been his three-point shooting. He is attempting an average of 2.9 three-pointers per game and successfully making 1.2 of them. Additionally, Sengun is achieving a career-high in free-throw shooting, taking 6.6 attempts per game—the highest of his NBA tenure.
Recent Performance Insights
While Sengun’s scoring has dipped slightly in his last three outings—averaging 16.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds—Houston has managed a 2-1 record during this stretch. Notably, Durant was absent for both victories against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. The Rockets’ success can also be attributed to the contributions of players like Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr., all of whom have provided elite production on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead
The Rockets will continue their campaign with a two-game series against the Utah Jazz starting Sunday. With Durant back in the lineup, Houston has a prime opportunity to secure more wins against a team currently in the lottery mix. As they move forward, Sengun will look to regain his scoring rhythm and further cement his status as one of the league’s top talents.
